Saturday, October 04, 2008

Good News

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..."Jer 29:11

It is always good for our hearts to think about the ways that God is working in people's lives, the miracles he is doing and how people are growing. In the last couple of months we have seen some encouraging things happen here in Santiago in the lives of some of our friends.

We were privileged to be able to participate in two engagements of close friends. Jose and Priscila are a great encouragement to the church and we are so excited for them as they plan to marry in January. Priscila's mother and entire family came to their engagement party and left deeply impacted by the love that was showered on her daughter. Her mother decided that she would come to church with Priscila the next day and is looking forward to coming to our Women's Day in November.

Jose Miguel and Veronica

got engaged in September and

at their engagement expressed intense gratitude for what God has done in their lives up until this point. Jose Miguel first came to the church over 10 years ago now and studied the bible multiple times before making his final decision this year to make Jesus Lord. He introduced Veronica to the church and to the scriptures as he studied the bible and they were baptized on the same day! Now, a year later, they are celebrating the relationship that they are building with God as the center.

Also we were able to see some great friends, Juan Guillermo and María-Paz begin dating. After meeting almost 9 years ago, Juan Guillermo shared his faith with his good friend Mari for over a year. She was humbled before the word and incredibly grateful that her long time friend showed her the way to a relationship with God. We are so excited for them to now be dating and watch how God has great plans for our lives when we surrender to his will.Some more great news is that John was able to see a great friend, Agustin, be baptized into Christ! In January, Agustin began to think deeply about studying the bible and in March he started slowly to look in to the scriptures. He had very little belief in God's word and Jesus at the time and has studied diligently with the brothers ever since. His faith has grown and we have watched Agustin be transformed, understanding and believing in Jesus for the first time in his life.

It is refreshing to watch God's hand move in each of our lives and the lives of those around us!

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.Psalm 37:3-6